Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan wants to play the last match of his international career at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. He has not played for Bangladesh in the past year, but he still dreams of ending his career at home.
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Shakib shared his wish. He said, “Absolutely, 100 percent. Playing my final match in Mirpur will mean more to my fans than to me. If it happens, it will be one of the best moments of my life.” He also said that he has not officially retired from any format, despite holding many records in his 18-year international career.
Shakib last played for Bangladesh in October last year. It was a Test match against India in Kanpur. Before that match, he had retired from international T20 cricket. He was included in the squad to play his final Test against South Africa in Mirpur. However, due to various issues, he had to return without playing near home.
Even though he has not played for Bangladesh for the last 12 months, Shakib said he does not worry about public opinion. “People can have their own thoughts. I am not worried about it. I do not care what people think about me,” he said. He ignored criticism related to his nicknames like “Record Al Hasan” or “Showroom Al Hasan.”
Shakib has remained active in competitive cricket. He has played in the Pakistan Super League, the Caribbean Premier League, and other T20 tournaments around the world. Earlier this month, he won the Minor League Cricket title in the United States, representing Atlanta Fire.
Atlanta Fire batsman Sagar Patel told Cricbuzz, “He was smiling. He seemed like a kid. He enjoyed playing with us. He played with love. He always had fun with me.”
Shakib also holds a special record in ODIs. He has taken the most wickets at a single venue. At Mirpur, he has 131 wickets in 89 ODIs at an economy of 4.08. This surpasses the legendary Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram, who took 122 wickets in 77 ODIs at an economy of 3.55 in Sharjah.
